Page 12 - Moravian Messenger January 2019

From the Sanctuary
Last night, I couldn't sleep. 'Things' were playing on my mind, as 'things' can do at 3am. I found myself feeling low, and generally angry with God. All I was hearing on the radio (which I was listening to as I couldn't sleep), in the small hours of the morning, was yet another bombing and yet more threats from terrorism. 'How many more peace candles, and prayers for peace, do we have to say before there is peace?!' I was saying to God in my angry prayers.
Just as I had got that off my chest (for prayer, I find, often changes my perspective on things), God answered! The depressing news on the radio was followed by an encouraging article on how many people, who are in prison because of drug addiction, have used the experience of prison to re-educate themselves, and have made a success of their lives once they are on day release from prison. Examples were given of a lady who learned floristry in prison. On release, she had set up her own business using the skills and advice of The Prince's Trust. Now, a few years later, she had three outlets to her business and was employing others. She had gone from being unemployable because of her prison record, to being an employer. I also know of a friend who, once imprisoned, learned to read and write braille, and spent his time in prison translating books for the blind. Now, out of prison, he has set up his own business and is continuing the work that he learned in prison, giving him a new direction in life, in which he feels purposeful again.
Out of the darkness has shone forth light! This is the message of Christmas, but not the message only for Christmas. It is one
that
we need
reminding of,
day by day, as we
begin a new year - that
however bleak things may look
from time to time, or whatever twists and
turns our lives may take, God is in it with us. There is always light in the darkness if we can but see it; and if we can keep enough of that light (that awareness of God and of goodness) in our vision of life, we can maintain a sense of hope and optimism in a seemingly bleak world. Whether there is more darkness than light, or more light than darkness, depends largely on the attitude we bring to life; and our faith can help us see more of the light if we choose to remember it, and to live with an awareness of God constantly in our lives.
With more light than darkness in our vision - more of God than doom in what we see, and how we regard what is happening to us and our world - let us embrace the opportunities of a new year with hope and gratitude. Let there be light!
Br Peter Gubi,
Dukinfield
British Mission Board News
Student Calls
The British Mission Board are delighted to announce that three of our students in India have completed their theological training and student placements and have now received their first Calls.
Br Jacob Gangmei has been called to serve in Assam, covering Binnakandi, Haflong and Latingkhal. Br Bir Bahadur Rana has been called to serve Rajpur Moravian Congregation. Br Levi Ruangmei has been called to serve in the Delhi Fellowship, continuing to develop ministry in the city.
Br Nathaniel Gengmei and Br Dimchui Rongmei are in their final year of studies. Please continue to pray for our students and their work in South Asia.
Delhi Fellowship - New Home
The Delhi Fellowship continues to thrive, and since its foundation has met in people's homes. Two members of the fellowship have recently opened a restaurant and there is enough space to accommodate at least 25- 30 people and it will open for 2-3 hours on Sunday to allow the fellowship to meet. The first service took place there on 9th December 2018.
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